HOBBS, N.M. -- Longtime New Mexico Tech regent William G. “Bill” Abbott, 86, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, January 9 in his home in Hobbs.

Abbott, who was a prominent leader for more than 50 years among the petroleum industry and engineering professions in the Hobbs and Lea County area, served for 24 years on the New Mexico Tech Board of Regents — a total of four terms under three different governors from 1961 until 1985.

Abbott had also served for 17 years as a trustee of the New Mexico Tech Research Foundation, which is affiliated with the state-supported research university in Socorro.

During New Mexico Tech’s 1985 commencement exercises, the university conferred an honorary doctorate of engineering degree on Abbott.

“I had the good fortune of knowing and working with Bill Abbott for the latter part of his long tenure with the New Mexico Tech Research Foundation,” said New Mexico Tech President Daniel H. López, “and he always proved himself to be a thoughtful, committed and strong supporter of the university.

“The entire community of New Mexico Tech will sorely miss the guidance and leadership Bill Abbott has ably provided over the years,” López added.

Abbott, who was retired from his professional career, was a founder and former president of Petro-Therm Corporation/AGUA, Inc., and also served as a corporate consultant to Petro-Therm, as well as a trustee on the AGUA, Inc. Profit-Sharing Trust.